Physical Therapy, Disabilities and Special Needs

A physical therapist is a health professional who specializes in body movement issues.

If you need a physical therapist, you do not need a referral from your family doctor to make an appointment and are free to choose the practice to visit. At the appointment, the physical therapist will do an intake to determine what your issues are, including a physical exam, and propose a course of treatment.

Physical therapy

Most basic Dutch health insurance does not cover physical therapy and you will likely need to take out additional coverage specifically for this, but most additional packages only cover a limited number of visits. So double check what your coverage is before you make an appointment.

Disabilities and special needs

People with disabilities or special needs can access services available through their health care specialist or hospital, but it is best to talk to your family doctor first.

Your municipal government should have a department for services for people with disabilities or special needs. If you need to adapt your house for a disabled family member, you may be eligible for a subsidy.

For more information, contact your town or city hall (gemeentehuis or stadhuis) and ask about their relevant departments for gehandicapten or toegankelijkheid.

Medical equipment

If you need specialized medical equipment, you can find commercial suppliers listed online under “gehandicaptenhulpmiddelen” and “medische apparatuur en instrumenten”.
These companies provide equipment like colostomy bags, incontinence products, syringes, bandages, sport braces, and other appliances at your pharmacy. You can also rent some equipment from companites for short-term disability needs, such as shower stools, motorized scooters and wheelchairs.